Benefits Of The Bracero Program

Written by historian, Lilia Fernandez, Brown in the Windy City details the presence of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in the city of Chicago. From World War II to the 1960’s, both were the subjects of “state sponsored mass labor immigration programs into the United States. During World War II, American economic conditions sought Mexicans and Puerto Ricans as “temporary, low-wage, low-skilled labor.” Similar to other groups, such as the Chinese during the gold rush, the U.S. took advantage of the hardworking nature of Mexicans and Puerto Rican’s and implemented them into cheap labor. As has been discussed in class, the U.S. has notoriously done this to several other racial groups in its history. While America is promised as a land of opportunity
Bracero is a Spanish term meaning “manual labor.” Under this program, an estimated six to eight thousand braceros were send to the Chicago railroads between May 1943 and September 1945. Upon arrival, a majority of braceros experienced a number of abuses, such as deplorable living conditions, contaminated drinking water, and physical abuse. Again, Mexicans display the common thread of Americans abusing those who come to this country. Throughout its history, immigrants in the country faced similar mistreatments. Puerto Ricans as well faced similar travesties. In 1946, nearly six hundred Puerto Rican men and women were brought over to work in the steel and foundry industries. Often times both Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were excluded from unions. Due to the low pay of the jobs given to them, most Mexicans and Puerto Ricans found it continually difficult to achieve economic
Many argued that the city was responsible for providing a better system of housing for its many citizens. To make matters further complicated, the end of World War II brought thousands of workers into the area, bringing more competition for jobs and housing. To meet these needs, a planning committee, titled that Near West Side Planning Board (NWSPB) was established with the intent to “plan and effect legal foundations for basic land use and requirements; to simulate private and public rehabilitation and redevelopment according to plan; [and] to effect with present occupants, a stable, modern enduring Near West Side.” Through its work the NWSPB called for razing certain areas while building new houses. For a time, the group was mostly successful in their endeavors of revitalizing the neighborhood. However, a struggle with the University of Chicago would disrupt plans and force out occupants in order to build student housing. Indeed, life in the Near West Side was difficult for Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants. Yet like other groups coming into the city, the neighborhood became a community for Mexican’s and Puerto Ricans. Several parallels can be made of the many experiences of those coming into America. While the dream of success and opportunity is told to many, the realities of being an American citizen paints a different